The Western Kenyan community of Kisii, near Lake Victoria is a unique source of Kisii soapstone and home to many artisans making a living through carving it. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased from Smolart since 2008. Smolart is a self-help organisation seeking to improve the lives of member carvers through marketing and logistical support. There are 200 producer members, each of whom is a stakeholder working with several home-based artisans. Thus creating home working opportunities for approximately 1,000 carvers. As well as providing a fair wage, Smolart seeks to eradicate poverty among their members, promote fair trade principles, oppose discrimination and support the community in its sustainable resource management.
